BIRTHDAY GUY: Actor Tamer Hassan was born in London, England, today in 1968. This birthday guy has appeared in such films as “Clash of the Titans,” “Sucker Punch” and “Eastern Promises.” He’s also worked on the small screen with guest spots on “Dracula,” “NCIS” and “Identity.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Use friendly competition to break down barriers and build a congenial atmosphere. Your “can do” attitude makes people sit up and take notice. Don’t just start things, but see them through to the end in a dedicated manner.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Social activities seem to have a businesslike purpose. Luxury items may not live up to expectations, although it’s certainly fun to browse. You may have a chance to join forces with others to think-tank a financial matter.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Use your analytical powers. Put your sharp eye for detail to use in creating a smart strategy for a pet project. Go forward with an essential enterprise knowing that eventually one nagging drawback will dissipate.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The birds that flock together can make profits together. People who perceive you as fair and honorable will help you feather your nest. Stay in the loop with friends and followers, who will offer helpful information.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): All that glitters is not gold, but if your personality glitters and people treat you with more respect and admiration than usual, that’s just fine. Your romantic nature is at a peak for the next few days, so make the most of it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Leave your comfort zone. It’s time to be outgoing and friendly, and to offer someone a hand in friendship. Your business ideas or financial decisions might benefit from the input of others; gather knowledge to gain power.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Absorb knowledge like a sponge and wipe the slate clean. Learn as much as you can about the people in your vicinity. The more genuine interest you show in others, the more likely they will hold you in high regard.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sweetness and sincerity smooth out snags. File down rough edges by performing acts of kindness and generosity. The more emphasis you put on quality, the more secure you’ll feel.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take advantage of any opportunity to work from home. Be friendly, as well as persuasive, when you meet new friends or network for business contacts. Real friends won’t promise more than they can deliver.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There’s no need to go to extremes. There are some things you can fix or alter, and others that no amount of pushing and prodding will change. It’s good to know the difference. Take your time making crucial decisions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): With fun-loving Venus in your sign, you may feel more attractive and vivacious than usual. Real success, however, comes from what you do, so don’t be beguiled by empty compliments or distracted by social events.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Friendship fulfills your fantasies. Every person you meet might not be ready to take a cruise to an exotic island, but someone is willing to be a real friend in a pinch. Be sure what you buy will live up to expectations.

IF MARCH 18 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Steer a straight path and honor your commitments between now and mid-May, and you can reach a desirable destination. During April, your personality shines brightly and others will find you more attractive, making that a great time to meet a soul mate or land a new job. You’re sharper than usual about financial affairs. Be on the lookout for powerful new friends and incredible good luck in June and early July, when the universe will give you exactly what you richly deserve. Your vision of the future will be accurate, too, so that is an excellent time to make long-range plans or make important decisions.

The agency’s hiring surge is only for half of the funds generated under SB 1; the other half is going to cities and counties for transportation improvements projects, which are also expected to generate new jobs.